Lack of Key Witness Testimony Leads to Judge Granting Motion to Continue Homicide Trial

During a motion hearing on Sept. 20, DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein granted the prosecution’s motion to delay the trial against homicide defendant, Hahqwon Beale.

Beale, 25, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm, and armed carjacking for allegedly shooting 43-year-old George Johnson Jr. on May 7, 2018, on the 800 block of Oglethorpe Street, NE.

Later that night, Beale allegedly stole a car and $300-$400 from a pizza delivery driver on the 400 block of Farragut Street, NW.

Due to lack of testimony from a key witness, the trial was delayed. A new trial date was set for Feb. 7, 2024.

Parties are expected to reconvene Jan. 26.

Judge Continues to Deny Motion to Declare Non-Fatal Shooting A Mistrial

At a Sept. 19 jury trial, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan continued to deny a request by co-defendants to declare a non-fatal shooting case a mistrial because of statements made by a material witness at a Sept. 18 hearing.

Dominic Copeland, 33, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, robbery while armed, unlawful possession of a firearm, and three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on April 26, 2019, on the unit block of N Street, NW. The incident left an individual experiencing non-life-threatening injuries.

Artie Byrd, 31, is charged with accessory after the fact for his alleged involvement in assisting Copeland to leave the crime scene.

Before the victim’s testimony resumed on Sept 19, Copeland’s defense attorney, Michael Madden asked Judge Raffinan if she would grant the motion for a mistrial because the statements made in the victim’s testimony were in a “nonresponsive manner.”

At a Sept. 18 jury trial, after Madden was done questioning the victim, the victim muttered under his breath and said something to the effect of “That’s why he took the plea, mainly because…”

It wasn’t clear what the victim meant by this statement, Judge Raffinan cut him off halfway through the statement because Madden had already finished his cross-examination of the witness.

At a felony status conference in January, Copeland was arraigned and pleaded guilty to his charges, but it was not made clear which charges he plead guilty to. Byrd has not accepted any plea offers regarding the incident

In making the partial statement about a plea, the victim didn’t provide any background for the court as to whether he was referring to Copeland or Byrd. Madden also did not ask the victim a question about Copeland or Byrd’s plea deals.

The prosecution argued declaring a mistrial should only be used in extreme situations. Judge Raffinan denied the defense’s request, stating “a mistrial is not warranted.”

After Judge Raffinan’s ruling, the same victim from the previous day came in to finish his testimony regarding what happened on April 26.

The victim testified that when he met Copeland for the drug exchange on April 26, 2019, the victim got out of a white Camry after not receiving the narcotics and was soon shot by Copeland.

Parties are expected back on Sept. 20 to hear testimony from other witnesses.

Counsel Inquires About Defendant’s Actions Leading Up To and After Fatal Shooting

On Sept. 20, a homicide defendant claimed his innocence during a trial in front of DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe.

Ravel Mills, 29 is charged with first-degree murder, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license for his alleged involvement in the murder of 28-year-old Toussaunt Strong. The incident took place on the 3400 block of 24th Street, SE, on April 18, 2020.

The defense started the day by requesting an acquittal due to the lack of evidence provided by the prosecution. However, the prosecution said there was plenty of evidence, citing extensive footage of Mills chasing Strong before he allegedly murdered him. Judge O’Keefe denied the motion.

During his testimony, Mills sad he was not carrying a gun on the day of the incident, and he did not shoot Strong.

In cross examination the prosecution asked Mills about movements he made during the chase, which was captured on surveillance footage.

The prosecutor referenced when, in the footage, Mills is captured “putting [his] hand in [his] pocket.” The prosecutor said “in this way is consistent with reaching for a gun.”

Mills said it could be seen that way, but that he was not carrying a gun.

The defense introduced videos from Mills’ Instagram account as evidence. Mills had multiple videos posted in which he messed with people who he claims were inebriated. Mills said he was chasing Strong simply because he was high and acting funny.

Mills was questioned by both parties about the video where he appears to hold up a black object and point it at Strong at the beginning of their interaction.

Mills said he held up a scale used for marijuana sales and said, “freeze you’re under arrest,” to the noticeably inebriated Strong as a joke. Strong then ran from him and the chase began.

Prosecutors introduced several of Mills’ text messages as evidence of guilt. According to the prosecutors, he texted a worker at the Shipley Market, a nearby store, asking about police presence on the street the day after the murder. The worker told Mills that there had been a murder the day prior.

Millspreviously said his YouTube searches after the murder about an incident on the block were to see whether or not Strong had died.

The trial is scheduled to resume Sept. 20.

Document: Man Arrested in Homicide of Missing Person

On Sept. 19, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested and charged 27-year-old Lewis Jones with first-degree murder while armed – felony murder and second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in a homicide of a missing person who was last seen on Aug. 4 on the 2500 block of Pomeroy Road, SE.

According to MPD documents, on Aug. 8, 42-year-old Anthony Jordan was reported missing. During the investigation, detectives located evidence that Jordan was the victim of a fatal stabbing.

The case remains under investigation.

Judge Denies Juvenile Defendant’s Release Request

On Sept. 20, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno denied a juvenile defendant’s motion for release.

The juvenile, a 17-year-old male, is charged with various charges, including assault with intent to kill, for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on June 9 on the 2200 block of Alabama Avenue, SE. The incident left an adult female suffering from life-threatening injuries.

During the Sept. 20 proceeding, the defense attorney stated his grandmother, who is his legal guardian, would be able to and wants to have the juvenile move back in with her as he awaits trial.

According to the defense attorney, when the juvenile was in school, he was an exceptional student and made the honor roll. She requested he be released under 24-hour home confinement, GPS monitoring, and that a “stay-away” from DC be ordered, which would be possible since the grandmother lives outside of DC.

She argued that the defendant turned himself in on Sept. 15, after an initial attempt in June, when he was apparently turned away by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and told to return during business hours.

Social Services alerted Judge Salerno they recommended the defendant remain detained, stating that his family did not see him for close to a month during the summer. Prosecutors agreed, arguing the juvenile knew for three months that there was a warrant out for his arrest.

The judge denied the defense’s request for release, and ordered the juvenile remain at the Youth Services Center (YSC).

Parties are expected to return to court Oct. 4.

Defense Begin Presenting their Case in 2020 Murder Trial

On Sept. 19, defense attorneys began questioning witnesses in a 2020 homicide trial in front of DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe.

Ravel Mills, 29 is charged with first-degree murder, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license for his alleged involvement in the murder of 28-year-old Toussaunt Strong. The incident took place on the 3400 block of 24th St, SE, on April 18, 2020.

The defense continued to argue that the government and the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) did not do an adequate job investigating cameras in the area around the 3400 block of 24th Street, SE, near Savannah Street.

The defense called a witness to the stand who lives at a house adjacent to where the body was found.

According to the witness, he heard a car speed off right after he heard shots fired. He then walked to the window and saw the body of a man on the curb.

He is the second witness to mention the car speeding off. No camera footage of the car was mentioned or has been shown in court.

A forensic scientist, who performed the autopsy, said Strong was likely to have been turning around when the shots were fired. Though she was unable to conclude exactly what position he was in.

He had four bullet wounds, he was hit in the wrist and ankle, and also the hip and back which were fatal.

The defense questioned a crime scene investigator about an alleged vial of PCP pictured at the scene. It allegedly fell out of the pockets of Strong while first aid was being performed. Adding to the defense’s case that Strong was high on PCP and was murdered by an angry PCP dealer, not Mills.

Testimonies is slated to continue on Sept. 20.

More Witnesses Testify in 2020 Murder Trial

On Sept. 18, attorneys questioned witnesses in a 2020 homicide trial in front of DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe.

Ravel Mills, 29 is charged with first-degree murder, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license for his alleged involvement in the murder of 28-year-old Toussaunt Strong. The incident took place on the 3400 block of 24th St, SE, on April 18, 2020.

A witness that appeared Sept. 14 continued their testimony. .

She is a friend of Mills who lived near Strong’s father. She mentioned a beef that had happened in the neighborhood, years before she met Mills.

The beef was between Mills and a man with dreads who lived next door. She said that the years-long beef was unsettled, and that Mills had punched the man and shot at him. The man with the dreads is alleged to be Strong.

A forensic examiner appeared as an expert witness in court. He did ballistics testing in order to match the bullet casings to the weapon that fired them.

It was determined that a Smith and Wesson was the weapon that fired the rounds that killed Strong. The gun was found in an unrelated car in Maryland in May of 2020, a month after the murder.

A forensic scientist who extracts data from cell phones associated with crimes was questioned in court. YouTube searches from a phone associated with Mills were shown to the jury. The searches included key words such as, ‘homicide’, ‘on camera’, and ‘Savannah’.

According to the forensic scientist, Savannah is relevant because it is a street adjacent to where the murder took place.

Trial is slated to continue Sept. 19.

Motion Denied for Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant

On Sept. 19, DC Superior Court Judge Lynn Leibovitz denied a motion regarding a non- fatal shooting case.

Rae Kwon Sutton, 27, is charged with two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon offenses committed during release, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence committed during release, burglary one offenses committed during release, two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm committed during release, and three counts of threat to kidnap or injure a person offenses committed during release. He is charged for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 4800 block of Benning Road, SE, on March 19, 2022. There were no reported injuries.

On Sept. 17, Everald Thompson, Sutton’s defense attorney, filed a severance motion in regards to Sutton’s upcoming trial.

Judge Leibowitz argued that there were clear threats made to the victims by Sutton, and that the threats articulated his motive to commit the shooting. She also explained that there was evidence of clear animus towards the victims, and that this shows intention to assault the victims.

Parties are expected back in court Sept. 20.

Judge Denies Motion to Dismiss Charges in Non-Fatal Shooting Trial

At a Sept. 18 jury trial, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan denied a request by co-defendants to dismiss charges against them due to a delay in the signing of a witness immunity order by the Chief Judge of the District Court.

Dominic Copeland, 33, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, robbery while armed, unlawful possession of a firearm, and three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on April 26, 2019, on the unit block of N Street, NW. The incident left an individual experiencing non-life-threatening injuries.

Artie Byrd, 31, is charged with accessory after the fact for his alleged involvement in assisting Copeland to leave the crime scene.

Just before the victim was set to testify, the prosecution received an email saying the Chief Judge had not signed a witness immunity order. The victim was served with a witness immunity order to avoid having his statements used to charge him with a crime during his testimony.

Following the delay, the immunity order was signed and prosecutors were able to call forth the victim.

The victim testified that Copeland and Byrd were his coworkers at United Masonry in Alexandria, Virginia, where he worked as a bricklayer for a year.

According to the victim, on the day of the incident, he left work early and had exchanged text messages with Copeland to arrange a drug transaction at the Wendy’s on New York Avenue, NW, which resulted in a shooting.

The victim said after he had spoken with Copeland and Byrd at the Wendy’s, they met at N Street, NW. Upon arriving at the location, the witness said he got out of his car to “conduct business.”

He offered Copeland money in exchange for narcotics, when Copeland kept the cash, the victim allegedly engaged in a physical struggle with him. Copeland then pulled a gun on the victim.

The victim allegedly attempted to get back into his car as Copeland started to shoot at him, which led to the victim’s car swerving off the road and hitting a light pole as he attempted to drive off.

Byrd then allegedly pulled up in a white Toyota Camry and helped Copeland flee the scene.

“Copeland was the one who shot me,” the witness said. “It was a good shot.”

According to the victim, when he was shot by Copeland, he had no feeling in his body.

During the trial, the victim pointed to two spots on the right side of his upper back where he had been shot.

Parties are expected back Sept. 19.

Document: Man Dead, Another Injured After Shooting in Southeast DC

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch are investigating a shooting that killed a man and left another injured on Sept. 18 on the 2600 block of Bowen Road, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers were patrolling the area when they heard sounds of gunshots. They reported to the location and located a man, later identified as 27-year-old William Jones, dead inside a vehicle with gunshot wounds.

A while later, they located a second man with gunshot wounds. He was transported to a local hospital, where he was admitted in critical but stable condition.

MPD is offering a reward to anyone that provides information which leads to the arrest or conviction of the person or persons responsible for this incident.

Document: DC Police Arrest Man in Mother’s Day Murder of 10-Year-Old Girl

On Sept. 18, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested and charged 19-year-old Koran Gregory with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in a shooting that killed a 10-year-old girl on May 14 on the 3700 block of Hayes Street, NE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the sounds of gunshots and located evidence of a shooting. A short time later, 10-year-old Arianna Davis was taken to a DC Fire and EMS station with gunshot wound injuries. She was transported to a local hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries on May 17.

MPD’s investigation determined Davis was a passenger in her family’s vehicle, when she was struck by a stray bullet.

MPD’s investigation is ongoing, and they request anyone with other information to reach out to them.

Defendant ‘Accepts the Consequences’ of His ActionS During Sentencing

On Sept. 15, DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo sentenced Collin Potter to 16 years in prison with five years of supervised release.

Potter, 31, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed in aggravating circumstances for his involvement in the fatal stabbing of Vongell Lugo, 36 on Feb. 3. Potter stabbed Lugo 42 times on Jan. 6, 2019, on the 2800 block of Wisconsin Avenue, NW. Potter and Lugo are alleged to have been in an intimate relationship.

During the sentencing, Lugo’s mother, sister, brother, and close friends delivered nine victim impact statements, describing Lugo as “fun-loving, energetic, caring, supportive, and compassionate.”

A close family friend expressed that Lugo was “cruelly murdered” and the defendant “deserves a punishment of more than 16 years” during her impact statement.

Lugo’s sister and multiple family friends indicated to the court that they “fear for the LGBTQ+ community” prompting them to ask Judge Demeo to reconsider Potter’s sentence because they believe he is a danger to society.

Potter expressed his remorse in his final statements by explaining that he accepts the consequences of his actions and deserves punishment for his crimes.

Judge Demeo recommended that Potter undergo mental health treatment, trauma-informed substance-use treatment, and trauma-informed sexual assault treatment while he serves his sentencing.

Homicide Co-Defendants Accept Plea Offer

On Sept. 18, two co-defendants accepted a plea offer in connection to two fatal 2015 shootings.

Ron McLeoud, 30, was originally charged with two counts of first-degree murder while armed, conspiracy, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, among other charges. Joseph Brown, 33, was originally charged with first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, among other charges.

The two were arrested in 2017 for their involvement in the deaths of Amari Jenkins, 29, and Antwan Baker, 21. Jenkins was shot 28 times outside St. Luke Roman Catholic Church on the 4900 block of East Capitol Street, SE, on Aug. 15, 2015. Baker, along with a surviving victim, was found suffering from gunshot wounds on the 5300 block of Clay Terrace, NE, on Nov. 12, 2015.

Brown’s plea offer required him to plead guilty to second-degree murder while armed and voluntary manslaughter while armed, dismissing all of the other charges. According to the agreement, Brown would serve 25 years in prison with five years on supervised release. Brown is currently serving time for a federal case, the sentencing in this case would be served consecutively.

McLeoud’s offer required him to plead guilty to one count of voluntary manslaughter while armed in exchange for dropping all other charges. Under the agreement, McLeod would serve ten years in prison and five years of supervised release.

During the hearing, Jenkins’ mother said the family does not agree with the plea deal, and that Brown and McLeoud’s sentences are not sufficient enough for having taken her son’s life.

Judge Marisa Demeo asked to hear from her again at the sentencing where she would make her decision to accept or deny the deal.

The sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 4.

Drive-By Shooting Defendant Pleads Not Guilty to Every Count

On Sept. 18, Jeremiah Downing was arraigned on seven charges in front of DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein.

Downing, 22, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, carrying a pistol without a license outside home or business, possession of unregistered firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition,for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that injured one individual. The incident occurred Nov. 27, 2022, on I-395 at the exit of Maine Avenue, SW.

According to court documents, Downing allegedly shot at the victim through the passenger window of his white pickup truck.

Brian McDaniel, Downing’s defense attorney, told Judge Epstein that Downing would be pleading not-guilty and asserting his right to a speedy trial.

McDaniel also requested the GPS monitoring condition of Downing’s release be removed. McDaniel explained that Downing is currently living on his college campus, and that the GPS monitoring heavily restricts his abilities to be a normal student on campus.

However, the prosecution argued that he should be monitored due to the serious nature of the crimes, community safety, and Downing’s previous failures to comply with release conditions.

After deliberation, Judge Epstein ruled to keep the GPS monitoring in place at this time.

A trial readiness hearing was scheduled for March 14, 2025.

Judge Releases Homicide Defendant For Drug Treatment

On Sept. 18, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt granted a homicide defendant’s request for release into an in-patient drug treatment program.

Joseph Ballard, 59, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 33-year-old Monte Daniels on July 28 on the 1600 block of Benning Road, NE.

Prosecutors continuously opposed the request, stating that Ballard has five prior violent crime convictions, which Judge Brandt argued are outdated and were caused by Ballard being on a drug bender.

Judge Brandt granted the defense’s request, and ordered Ballard be placed in a 60 day in-patient treatment program with a requirement of an intensive out-patient treatment program once he completed the in-person treatment. Once released from the treatment facility, Ballard is expected to take a drug test once a week with the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA).

“This is your one and only chance. If you fail, I’m going to have to lock you up at the jail,” Judge Brandt said.

During a preliminary hearing on Sept. 1, Judge Brandt denied the defense’s request for release, arguing that the defense needed to submit a comprehensive treatment plan that she could review before granting the request.

Parties are expected to reconvene on Dec. 4.

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